MEDIA AVAILABILITY: OECTA MARKS BACK TO SCHOOL WITH UNION STATION TAKEOVER

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire MEDIA AVAILABILITY: OECTA MARKS BACK TO SCHOOL WITH UNION STATION TAKEOVERAuthor of the article:THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountToronto, Sept. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As families across Ontario head back to school with questions about classroom resources, sweeping new education policies, and the government’s decision to stall talks at the bargaining table, Ontario’s Catholic teachers are taking over Union Station to put the future of publicly funded education at the centre of the conversation.Beginning September 2, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) is transforming Canada’s busiest transit hub with our new Know More advertising campaign, highlighting how years of government underfunding have affected students, families, and classrooms.The campaign launches at a pivotal moment for publicly funded education in Ontario. Teachers and students are returning to classrooms as government consolidation schemes stall central bargaining and a suite of new provincial policies takes effect, including changes to Grade 9 EQAO testing, mandatory final evaluations, and the grading of attendance and participation. At the same time, the Ford government is launching its $750 classroom supplies program, which falls far short of addressing the estimated $6.5-billion funding gap that Ontario schools have accumulated since 2018. This campaign is only necessary because we have a government that does not value publicly funded education, and as a result, Ontario students, families, and the future of this province.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againWHEN: Wednesday, September 2, 2026WHERE: Union Station, TorontoAVAILABLE: OECTA President René Jansen in de Wal; Ontario parent; local student trustee (recent graduate)VISUALS: B-roll of Union Station advertising, high-resolution campaign photography, and photos of intervieweesINTERVIEWS: Interviews can be arranged anytime in studio or by phone. Broadcast-quality B-roll and high-resolution photos of the Union Station takeover are also available for media use, by request.Among the issues available for discussion:Bargaining and potential labour action: Where negotiations currently stand, why bargaining has stalled, the outstanding scope issues being referred to the Ontario Labour Relations Board, and what comes next.The $750 classroom supply program: The September 1 launch of the Staples portal, whether materials will reach classrooms in time, what teachers can actually purchase, and why OECTA says the program does not compensate for years of underfunding.New policies taking effect this school year: The Grade 9 EQAO math assessment counting for 20 per cent of a student’s final grade, mandatory final evaluations, attendance and participation grading, and mandated Ministry classroom resources.The reality inside Ontario schools: Class sizes and complexity, special education, mental health services, staffing, aging facilities, classroom supplies and dwindling programs.What families and students are experiencing: What these funding and policy decisions mean in practice for students heading back to class and the parents trying to support them.This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.To arrange an interview, request B-roll/photos, or coordinate coverage at Union Station, contact:Eden DebebeCommunications Specialist, Government Relations and Public Affairs, OECTAe.debebe@catholicteahers.ca416-520-9487The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association represents 45,000 Catholic teachers across Ontario and advocates for a strong, publicly funded education system that gives every student the opportunity and support they need to succeed.Eden Debebe Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association 416-925-2493 x 524 e.debebe@catholicteachers.ca Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. 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